Update for the Vitality Ministry Council of the NACCC
Rev. Justin J. Nierer, Chair
I became a member of the Vitality Ministry Council after the Annual Meeting and Conference on the campus of Piedmont University in 2017. At that time, the following were programs just starting to be discussed, regional Convocations, the Lay Ministry Training Program, or an Interim Ministers' network. In the late spring of 2019, we had three regional Convocations (East Coast, Midwest and West Coast).
We just recently saw the launch of the first cohort of a re-developed Lay Ministry Training Program (led by their own editorial board), and we will be having an in-depth workshop/seminar this fall for those pastors that feel a call to an Interim style ministry.
It is the goal of the Vitality Ministry Council to one day have a network of 10-12 pastors that are focused on healthy interim ministries throughout the nation, helping churches that find themselves in a season of transition.
Now, please understand that these programs and ministries did not happen overnight. Within that list are thousands of volunteer hours that include, at times, more phone calls, text messages, or zoom meetings than one can count or keep track off.
The Vitality Ministry Council believes in and supports the NACCC and the future of Congregationalism. You can see that support through the programs we help develop and are a part of. I am honored beyond words to be part of such an amazing group as we continue to find new ways to help and encourage our churches and their leadership.
